5TH EDITION OF EXERCISE TIGER TRIUMPH 2026 IN VISAKHAPATNAM The opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the India–US Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, Tiger Triumph 2026, was held at the Maritime Warfare Centre (MWC), Visakhapatnam, on 2 November 2026. Conducted as a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) this year, the exercise aims to strengthen joint planning, coordination and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations during large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and Rear Admiral Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander, US Pacific Fleet. The exercise highlights the growing strategic and maritime partnership between India and the United States, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing defence cooperation. The 2026 edition focuses on improving interoperability and facilitating Combined Joint All-Domain Operations, with particular emphasis on coordinated planning and response mechanisms for large-scale HADR missions. The Indian contingent comprises specialists from various maritime operational domains of the Indian Navy, personnel from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, along with Special Forces representatives from all three services. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also participating for the first time in this fifth edition, adding a crucial disaster-response dimension to the exercise. The US Joint Force contingent includes specialists from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, along with experts from the Space, Cyber, Medical and Explosive Ordnance Disposal domains. The exercise is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, enhance inter-service coordination and improve the collective ability of both nations to respond effectively to complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.

INS SAHYADRI COMPLETES INDIA-SOUTH KOREA BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE AT BUSAN Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri successfully concluded its participation in the India–Republic of Korea Navy (IN–RoKN) bilateral exercise at Busan, South Korea, on 29 October 2026. The exercise aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance operational interoperability and deepen mutual understanding between the two navies. The harbour phase featured a series of professional interactions between Indian Navy and Republic of Korea Navy personnel, including cross-deck visits, operational briefings, expert-level discussions and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges. Cultural programmes and sporting activities further strengthened camaraderie and fostered closer ties between personnel of both navies. During the sea phase, INS Sahyadri and ROKS Munmu the Great conducted coordinated naval operations, including joint navigation, helicopter operations and maritime manoeuvres. These activities provided both navies with an opportunity to improve operational coordination, exchange best practices and gain a better understanding of each other''s procedures at sea. The successful conclusion of the exercise highlights India''s and South Korea''s shared commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships through regular naval engagements. Such bilateral initiatives contribute to building mutual trust, enhancing regional cooperation and promoting peace, stability and security across the Indo-Pacific region.